Trent's Montana Bride (Sweet, clean Western Historical Romance)(Montana Ranchers and Brides series) by Maya Stirling

self assurance. She found that both compelling and attractive.
    Trent smiled at Chloe. "You don't look too bad yourself if I may say so."
    Chloe shifted, overcome by sudden embarrassment.   "Evan's ready," she said.  
    Chloe lifted her head and looked into Trent's dark eyes. There was a glint of something in his gaze that made Chloe's breath catch in her throat. It was a piercing look that drove deep into her. The room seemed suddenly smaller. Chloe could hear the soft sound of Trent's breathing. The silence stretched interminably. Chloe coughed.
    "We best be going then," she said. Trent's lips narrowed and his eyes shifted away from Chloe. "Sure," he said quickly.
    "I take it you know where we're going for this picnic."
    Trent nodded. "There's only one place that I know of which is perfect for a family picnic."
    "Not too far from the ranch house?" she enquired.
    "No. It's sheltered, close to the house and has beautiful views."
    "Sound's nice. Let's go then."
    As they left Trent's room Chloe thought how fascinating it had been to catch a glimpse of Trent in his private moments. She'd caught him off guard and she wasn't going to apologize for doing so. She'd learned nothing new. She was already aware of just how well Trent took care of himself. But there was always room for improvement when it came to taking care of a man, she thought. With a last glance at the wardrobe Chloe promised herself that she would take some time when Trent wasn't around to sort out the contents of that closet.
    A man didn't exist who wouldn't benefit from a woman's touch when it came to how he was dressed.
    And Chloe's husband was not going to be the exception.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

    Trent was mortified.  
    Chloe had caught him in an unguarded moment. And she'd teased him too, although that had been curiously enjoyable. Chloe had a sense of humor. Given the recent circumstances of her life that was remarkable. But maybe some of the efforts Trent had been making to help Chloe feel at home during the last couple of days had been paying off. Trent had made sure that he hadn't spent all day at work. They'd had some nice quiet moments together walking in the garden, watching the horses being worked in the corral, and on one quiet evening sitting on the porch looking at the stars. Trent was enjoying getting to know Chloe and Evan. They were wonderful to be around. They'd brought a whole new meaning to his life, one that he was fast getting used to.
    But Chloe was still holding back. Trent didn't blame her for that. So much had changed in Chloe's life in recent times that he thought it amazing she even tolerated his presence as much as she did. She didn't talk about Lucas much, and Trent understood that. The pain she was feeling must still be raw and hard to deal with. Trent had made sure he didn't bring the subject of Lucas up in their conversations, figuring that Chloe must be having a tough enough time adjusting to ranch life and motherhood. His admiration for her fighting spirit was growing by the day. And it wasn't just admiration. In his quiet moments, out working with the ranch hands and the herd, he found himself thinking warm thoughts about his new wife.
    Trent followed Chloe along the hall and into Evan's room. Chloe looked mighty fine. She'd tied her hair up into a bun. Although Trent preferred to see Chloe's hair fall loose, he liked the way her high cheekbones were accentuated by the hair pulled high.  
    Chloe bent down and reached into the crib, lifting Evan up. The little guy was so cute in his tight fitting outdoor outfit.
    "Can I take him?" he asked.
    Chloe turned and her eyes widened. "You sure?"
    Trent nodded "I'm sure. We got such a long way to go," he said with a wry grin. "You'll need all your energy for the journey," he said with a teasing quirk of his brow.
    Chloe smiled and narrowed her eyes. "What on earth do you mean? I thought you said we had a long way to go."
    Trent lifted Evan up in his arms. "Oh yes, ma'am. It sure is a long